My research is primarily focused on identifying genes and environmental stressors that predispose to disease and that cause disease progression. To perform this research, I have established collaborations with researchers around the world. Current studies in my laboratory are on breast, ovarian and prostate cancers and celiac disease. The hope is that this knowledge can be used to design both preventative and therapeutic strategies, and to identify at risk individuals for preventative strategies.

For breast and ovarian cancers, we are investigating reproductive and lifestyle factors including hormone replacement therapy, smoking and prophylactic surgeries and genetic factors that may interact with these lifestyle exposures for risk of developing cancer or disease progression once the cancer develops. For prostate cancer, we are investigating whether men diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age have different underlying etiologies than men who are diagnosed at an older age. For celiac disease, we are investigating whether specific genes affect degree of symptoms and development of other autoimmune diseases in celiac disease cases and their relatives.

Since the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, we have been studying women and their families who carry deleterious mutations in these genes. The primary objectives of our research are to identify genetic and lifestyle factors that modify risks of developing cancers and that affect disease-free survival in those women who develop cancer. We hope this information can be used to assist in individual risk assessment, and to identify women to target for prevention/treatment strategies. Please click here to find out how to participate.

Do you have an alteration in a breast cancer gene?

You could be part of a solution for future generations. Researchers at City of Hope are seeking participants for a research study of breast and ovarian cancer. This research is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any woman over the age of 18 who has tested positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 alteration that increases their risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer is eligible to participate regardless of whether or not she has been diagnosed with any type of cancer.

What do I have to do if I participate?

Participants will be asked to donate a sample of blood and complete a health and family history questionnaire. There is no cost to participate. Participants will be compensated $25 for their time to complete the questionnaire and provide a blood sample.

Who do I call if I am interested in participating or if I have questions?

Please contact Linda Steele by email [email protected] or toll free 800-844-0049. Thank you for taking the time to consider if you can help us with this important research study.

Breast Cancer Risk in Hispanic Women Research Study

Researchers at City of Hope are seeking Hispanic women who have not been diagnosed with cancer (basal cell carcinoma of the skin is okay) to participate in a research study. The purpose of this research study is to identify underlying causes of breast cancer. Our hope is that it will provide clues to develop preventive strategies and individualized treatment plans in the future.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Ages 35 to 85

Hispanic ethnicity

No cancer history (basal cell carcinoma of the skin is okay)

WHAT WILL YOU BE ASKED TO DO?

Complete a questionnaire

Donate a sample of blood

COMPENSATION

You will receive a $25 gift card for your participation in this study

If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact:

Celiac disease is a common autoimmune disease with a frequency of 1 percent. We hope to identify genes that cause the disease in order to provide the foundation for better screening, therapeutics, and prevention. We have identified multiple regions in the genome that are linked to celiac disease and we are now trying to hone in on those regions to identify the actual causal genes. We are also investigating whether there are different subtypes of celiac disease that relate to symptoms and to complicating conditions such as development of other autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Please click here to find out how to participate.

Researchers seek adults with celiac disease
Adults that have been diagnosed with celiac disease are being sought for a study to identify factors associated with the development of celiac disease. The goal of the study is to find genes that may predispose individuals to develop this condition.

Adults eligible to participate in this study must have been diagnosed with celiac disease through a small intestinal biopsy. Spouses may also be eligible to participate.

Participants will be asked to provide a blood sample, complete a questionnaire, and provide medical records regarding their celiac diagnosis. There is no cost to participate. Necessary materials to have the blood drawn by the individual’s doctor, clinic or lab will be sent. The study will pay for the cost of the blood draw, as well as overnight shipping to the lab. Participants will receive free antibody testing and be compensated $25 for their time to complete the questionnaire and provide a blood sample.

For further information, please contact Linda Steele, clinical research administrator, at 626-471-9164 or toll-free at (800) 844-0049 or e-mail [email protected].